'Doctor Strange' enters the Multiverse, in what may be the craziest Marvel movie yet

Hard to believe this is the first actual Doctor Strange supplement, in six years, since Benedict Cumberbatch The wizard played many times during that time, from Avengers to Thor to more recently Spider-Man: There is no room for home.

The film is directed by Sam Raimi, who has his own Spidey ties, and has roots going back to Strange’s journey from the original, as well as the two-part Avengers fight against Thanos. “It made the only play we have,” Strange says, by explaining the toll of a photogenic that has left people in limbo for five years.

However, the most recent focus in terms of storytelling actually stems from Disney+, and is a sign of how vast and interconnected the Marvel Cinematic Universe is. This clearly includes “WandaVision,” who founded the arc character of Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and transformed her into the Vermilion Witch, and played a pivotal role here; but also “Loki” Presents her astonishing exploration of parallel truths, pioneered by film writer Michael Waldron.

The film features one major addition in the form of a teenage girl (Xochitl Gomez from “The Baby-Sitters Club”) who has the ability to open doors in the multiverse. This force draws Strange into a frantic race to save not only our universe but others as well.

At its best, the “Multiverse of Madness” explodes with psychedelic energy. It can be dark and demanding, but you can still explore Marvel Legends’ quarters that are clearly designed to make fans scream and shout. One sequence in particular is worth the price of admission to watch with an audience, in a wonderful bend to the tools now at the studio’s disposal.

On the flip side, there’s an unavoidable mess of ego navigating the entire universe, in a way that seems to be inventing rules on the spot, or is too cute for their own good. Sure, the narrative moves at a fast pace that’s easy to roll with though, but movie-goers needn’t apologize for feeling lost in places.

Technically, Raimi provided a visually stunning workout, bolstered by composer Danny Elfman’s stunning score (which, at one point, was imaginatively woven into motion). And it shouldn’t be overlooked what Cumberbatch and Olsen’s caliber actors bring to central roles in terms of intelligence and humanity, helping to solidify all this extravagant chaos in vulnerability and emotion.

In practical terms, the thirst for another true Marvel theatrical experience comes with massive nonsense and corresponding expectations. Yes, the studio has released films in between, but since two of its recent titles are from the original stories, this seems like a close relative. Avengers: Endgame Since it hit theaters three long years ago, before the pandemic wiped it out.

All in all, Doctor Strange has proven himself capable of meeting this formidable challenge. However, it’s possible to enjoy the movie widely and still get a little frustrated with the multiverse – feeling as if it’s intermittently guilty of putting so much style into “madness.”

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” will be released in the United States on May 6. It is rated PG-13.